Academic Word of the Day

underlying

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:54:57 GMT

Today’s picture: Popular swimming pool in Central Auckland (ideal if you don't want the water too hot or too cold!) Part 1: Today's word “Underlying” means “basic” but also hidden. It’s often used to talk about the basic causes of something when they're not easy to see: the underlying causes often contrast with the immediate causes or apparent causes. It’s used mostly as an adjective, but there is also the verb “to underlie”. The underlying causes of crime may include poverty, education and social values. For more practice, go to Unit 5 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? My research aims to discover the basic cause of unemployment which is sometimes hidden by its underlying effects. He presented a complex model, but his underlying message was clear. Economists suggest that a low level of savings may have been an underlying cause of the economic depression. There’s no point introducing new working methods if you fail to deal with the underlying attitudes towards the job. Part 3: Practice Questions: What are the underlying causes of migration? What underlies the trend for people to move away from the city centre? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question What is the most common family type in New Zealand? a couple without children a couple with one child a single parent with one or more children a couple with two children Part 5: Today’s online reading: New Delhi’s Lady Detective http://tinyurl.com/65c98e This is an article from the British newspaper, The Guardian, about a young Indian woman who has developed a successful career as a private detective Vocabulary for the article: spring to mind / vouch for / sleuth / a roller-coaster ride / perseverance / tying the knot / a scamster / it augurs well / to be forewarned is to be forearmed / a dowry / it’s floundering / a repository / heart-wrenching / a skeleton in the cupboard Questions for the article: 1) How long has she been a detective? 2) Which aspect of her job does she enjoy most? 3) Are women detectives becoming more common in India? 4) What advantage does she have as a woman compared with her male counterparts? 5) What does she find sad about her work? _____________________________________________________________________ Today’s musical intro & outro: from Guinea, W. Africa ‘A barana’ by Sekouba ‘bambino’ Diabate. From the CD ‘Le Destin’. 1994: Stern’s Africa. See the performer live at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQwyr1Xd9R8 ______________________________________________________________________

subjectivity

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:03:40 GMT

Today’s picture: View from Long Bay towards Whangaparoa (about 15 minutes drive from Massey Uni - thanks to my colleague Vanessa for this photo) Part 1: Today's word When you are subjective, you base your opinion on your own personal experience and feelings, not on facts. The word is often used with ‘opinion’, ‘impression’, ‘perceptions’ and ‘experience’. It’s important in academic writing that opinions are not purely subjective, but are supported by objective evidence that everyone can check - or, if you are subjective, it's important that you make this clear and you explore what that might mean for the quality of your evidence. I think Paul is a good salesman, but that’s just my subjective opinion. I’m sure you’ll be looking for the figures to back it up. There’s a good deal of subjectivity in investment decisions, but it’s still important to have as much information on hand as possible. For more practice, go to Unit 5 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? I would argue that it is never possible to eliminate subjectivity, only to recognise it. The subjectivity of the assessment is controlled, to some extent, by statistical procedures. The subjectivity of her final conclusion was based on concrete scientific evidence. The use of personal pronouns does not in itself make an essay more subjective, but it makes the writer’s subjectivity more obvious. Part 3: Practice Questions: How can you minimise the impression of subjectivity in your essays? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question Which of these activities do younger New Zealanders spend MORE time doing than older New Zealanders? listening to music and the radio religious practice taking part in performing arts watching TV and videos/DVDs Part 5: Today’s online reading: Hooked on fish sculptures http://www.guardianweekly.co.uk/?page=editorial&id=678&catID=10 This is an article from the British newspaper, The Guardian, about a young Indian artist who found a way of creating his own artistic style from the materials he found during his temporary jobs Vocabulary for the article: threadbare / dilapidated / sporadic / a pittance / stumble upon / awe / frugal / malleable / meticulous / fetch / snap up / a tie-up / I hawk my wares Questions for the article: 1) Why was his upbringing particularly difficult? 2) How did his workmates and boss at the car workshop react to his art? 3) What materials does he use for his sculptures nowadays? 4) Where does he get his materials from? 5) What business deal is he hoping for? 6) Is his business very profitable? _____________________________________________________________ Today’s musical intro / outro: from Guinea, W. Africa ‘Biduman’ by Sekou Bembeya Diabate. From the CD ‘Guitar Fo’. 2004: World Village Records. This CD may be purchased online, for instance, at: http://www.sternsmusic.com/disk_info/479016 . There’s a video of him playing this song (recorded on someone’s camcorder!) at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaH5ZI6U3Ao – you’ll understand why his nickname if ‘diamond fingers’! _____________________________________________________________

attribute

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:11:24 GMT

Today’s picture: Massey birds, enjoying a free lunch outside the learning centre Part 1: Today's word ‘Attribute’ is a formal verb meaning to decide that something is a cause, origin or author of something. It’s often used in the passive. The noun is attribution. Informally, we use the expression, 'put something down to'. So, informally we could say 'we put the fall in sales down to bad weather' or more formally, 'we attributed the fall in sales to bad weather'. Both of these mean that we thought bad weather was the cause of the fall in sales. For more practice, go to unit 5 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? One American study claimed that 20% of such cases could be attributed to food allergies. She attributed her success mainly to hard work and the support of her family. The underlying factors were attributed to environmental conditions. The remaining 0.45% of variability can be attributed to a cluster of residual factors. Part 3: Practice Questions: What factors can rises and falls in migration be attributed to? Do you tend to attribute your success mainly to talent, hard work or good luck? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question Valerie Vili has become New Zealand’s first gold medal winner in Olympic Track and Field since 1976. Her parents came to New Zealand as migrants from which TWO of the following countries? New Caledonia Scotland Tonga Fiji Part 5: Today’s online reading: Bravest students do not cheat http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7562938.stm This is an article from the BBC about an interesting study into the psychology of students who do not cheat in examinations Vocabulary for the article: empathy / rationalise / peers / give into temptation / succumb to temptation Questions for the article: 1) On which three tests did the honest students score highly? 2) Were most of the students honest? 3) Did the honest students think that other students were cheating? 4) What term do the researchers use to describe the honest students? 5) What does the British psychologist attribute their honesty to? _______________________________________________________________ Today’s musical intro / outro: from Ireland ‘Closer to your heart’ by Clannad. From the CD ‘Pastpresent’, available from most record stores and from http://www.amazon.ca/Pastpresent-Clannad/dp/B000002WDT. The group’s website http://www.clannad.ie/ has more information and you can see and hear this song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1GYI5E5TRU _______________________________________________________________

factor

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:06:22 GMT

Today’s photo: Pretty clear sign on Mount Eden Rd, Auckland Part 1: Today's word A factor is one part of the cause of something. So, for example, tiredness is a major factor in many road accidents. The word is often used with adjectives like ‘key’, ‘major’, ‘environmental’ etc to show what kind of factor it is or how important it is. Hard work was the key factor in his success. More practice in Unit 5 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Bad housing was seen as a major factor in the low levels of child health revealed by this study. A wide range of environmental factors need to be taken into consideration when planning a major commercial development. The poor weather conditions led to a number of difficult factors for farmers. What were the key factors in your decision to leave the company at that time? Part 3: Practice Questions: What were the key factors in your choice of study or career? What factors seem to account for academic success? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question What percentage of New Zealanders identify themselves as ethnically Indian? 0.5% 2.5% 7.5% 12.5% Part 5: Today’s online reading: Mumbai’s slum solution? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7558102.stm This is an article from the BBC about a redevelopment plan using private enterprise to transform a slum in the centre of one of the world’s largest cities Vocabulary for the article: a slum / makeshift / a shack / a labyrinth / audacious / salubrious / posh / burgeoning / to squat / to pacify opponents ________________________________________________________________________________________ Questions for the article: 1) What’s the population of Dharavi? 2) Why is this slum redevelopment especially interesting for the rest of the world? 3) Where will the slum-dwellers be rehoused? 4) How will the developers make money? 5) What are the main reasons why people like Mr Konchikor criticise the scheme? 6) How good was the example of the new accommodation? __________________________________________________________________________________________ Today’s musical intro & outro: from India ‘Hari Krishna’ by Hariprasad Chaurasia. From the CD ‘Navras Sampler’. 2000: Navras Records. This CD and other Indian classical music can be purchased (very economically!) at: http://www.navrasrecords.com

trigger

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:53:28 GMT

Today’s photo: Something or other growing in my garden Part 1: Today's word 'To trigger' is to cause something to happen suddenly or dramatically. The original meaning of the word 'trigger' is the part that you pull when you fire a gun, but nowadays it's widely used in the media and in many academic subjects to talk about the direct and immediate cause of something. For instance, in psychology and physiology, it's used to talk about the effects of hormones. The rise in food prices triggered a wave of anti-government protests. For more practice, go to Unit 5 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The director’s announcement triggered a rush to sell shares in the troubled company. Her sickness was probably triggered by the stress of working and studying at the same time. She triggered a sudden pain every time she stood up. The government’s decision triggered a call for new elections. Part 3: Practice Question: What factors tend to trigger sharp increases in petrol prices? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question Which of these people does NOT appear on a New Zealand bank note? Queen Elizabeth Sir Edmund Hillary Kate Sheppard Captain Cook Part 5: Today’s online reading: Man buys chevy with small change http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7559881.stm This is an article from the BBC about an unusual way of paying for a new car Vocabulary for the article: a hoard / the price tag / tight / Questions for the article: 1) Was he able to pay in full using coins? 2) How long had he had his previous vehicle? 3) Why does he dislike using paper money? 4) How long has it taken him to accumulate ___________________________________________________________________________________ Today’s musical intro & outro: from Mali “Kun Fe Ko” by Oumou Sangare. From the CD ‘Worotan’. 1996: Nonesuch Records. CD may be purchased from http://www.amazon.com/Worotan-Oumou-Sangare/dp/B000005J51 __________________________________________________________________________________

enhance

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:46:21 GMT

Today's photo: Altar Restaurant, Mount Eden, Auckland Part 1: Today's word If you enhance something you improve it in some way. It’s often used in marketing, sometimes as an adjective, for instance, when saying that a new product is better than the old one because it has ‘enhanced performance’ etc. After-sales service will enhance the value perceived by the customer. More practice in Unit 4 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The new device offers substantial cost savings, but unfortunately performance is slightly enhanced in comparison with the old model. The presentation of the dishes is designed to enhance the customers’ enjoyment of our food. If there is any way in which we can enhance your experience of our service, please inform one of our representatives. The underlying purpose of the training scheme is to enhance the contribution of young people to their communities. Part 3: Practice Questions: How will a university degree enhance your career prospects? How could your college or university enhance the experience of international students? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question Which store uses the advertising slogan, “Where everyone gets a bargain” Noel Leeming Foodtown Pak ‘n’ Save The Warehouse Part 5: Today's online listening: Walkable Communities http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ngts/ngts-20080808-2010-Walkable_Communities-048.mp3 This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the American campaigner, Dan Burden. His organisation (www.walkable.org) tries to encourage people to walk more and to design communities so that we don’t need to rely on the car Vocabulary for the article: suburbia / cul de sac / amenities / in-fill housing – quarter-acre section / a threshold / Questions for the article: 1) What proportion of Americans live in suburbia? 2) What difference does he see between schools in New Zealand and the US? 3) Is his aim to stop people having to drive to shops and services at all? 4) What’s a comfortable walking distance? 5) How does Dan feel about in-fill housing? 6) How can people be encouraged to grow their own food? 7) What global change is making local shops more competitive? 8) What percentage of peak-hour traffic in the USA consists of parents driving their children to and from school? 9) In New Zealand, how many children walk to school? 10) How does the organisation encourage more children to walk to school? 11) How much more visible is a police officer on a bicycle compared to one in a patrol car (cruiser)? 12) Which country did he visit that made him want to start his campaign? 13) How does Dan feel about higher petrol prices? 14) Does Dan drive a lot himself? 15) How does Dan feel that towns will be built in the future? ___________________________________________________________ Today’s musical intro & outro: from Cuba ‘Aprende muchacho’ by Orquestra Aragon. From the CD ‘El son de Cuba’: 1996: International Records. The song is on many different CDs – one place to buy this kind of music is: http://www.au.shopping.com/xGS-cuban%20music~NS-1~linkin_id-8024509. ____________________________________________________________

retention

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:38:32 GMT

Today’s picture: Yesterday's sunset behind the Study Centre, Massey University, Auckland, August 12, 2008 Part 1: Today's word “Retain” is a more formal way of saying ‘keep’. It’s especially common in phrases like “to retain control / status / a position” etc. The noun is “retention”. It’s also used in a physical sense to mean “keeping something inside”. In business, retention is very important, because companies need to try to keep the customers they already have as well as trying to attract new ones. He was unable to retain control of the company after he had lost the confidence of investors. She explained her weight gain as the result of fluid retention. For more practice, go to unit 4 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Given the high costs of training new employees and the competitive labour market, this organisation needs to substantially improve its retention of existing staff. Her unexpected weight gain may be attributed to Increased water retention. Memory function may be analysed as three linked but separate processes: encoding of information, organisation, retention and recall. The organisation was faced with a difficult choice between a minor upgrade of the existing system, which was reliable but slow, or the retention of an exciting, but entirely new and untried technology. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you retain most of your old daily routines and habits since you came to this country? Do you think it’s important for cities to retain their own identity in a more globalised world culture? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question The first regular television programmes were broadcast in Europe and America in the 1930’s. But when did they start in New Zealand? 1950 1960 1970 1980 Part 5: Today's online reading: Extinction by Man not Climate http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7555206.stm This is an short article presenting evidence that human activity, rather than climate change, may have led to the extinction of many species in the past Vocabulary for the article: extinction / to wipe something out / the fate / marsupials / undermine / disentangle / Questions for the article: What are megafauna? When was it previously thought they became extinct? Why is the new research more accurate? Why do they think human activity was responsible for the extinction? _______________________________________________________________ Today’s Musical intro & outro: from the USA ‘TV is the thing this year’ by Dianne Reeves. From the CD ‘Good night and good luck [Original Soundtrack]’. 2005: Concord Records. CD can be purchased from record stores and online - http://www.amazon.com/Good-Night-And-Luck/dp/B000ASDGE4. You can hear the original version of this song by Dinah Washington at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDLZELcxCuw ____________________________________________________________

fluctuation

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:09:39 GMT

Today’s Picture: Painting in the Study Centre, Massey University, Auckland Part 1: Today's word If something fluctuates, it means it goes up and down. In other words, there’s no clear upward or downward trend - it doesn’t rise or fall steadily. Fluctuation is common in periods of instability. For instance, petrol prices tend to fluctuate because there are so many different factors which influence them, especially when the world situation is unstable. Remember that fluctuation means movements around a point, so it’s common to say that figures fluctuate between x and y or around X. You can also specify whether the fluctuation is wide, normal or slight. My weight tends to fluctuate between 80 and 85 kg depending on the time of year, what I’m doing etc. The value of the shares will depend on normal fluctuations in the markets, so you will need to keep an eye on any significant trends. For more practice, go to Unit 4 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Continual weight fluctuation, a common effect of dieting, can lead to increased heart problems. Sales were initially high but suffered a disappointing fluctuation down to their current unsustainable levels. There has been considerable fluctuation in the oil price, although the general trend has been upwards. The test of standard deviation is essential in order to confirm that the increase in prices was not within the normal seasonal fluctuations. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you find your motivation for study fluctuates from day to day or week to week? If so, what factors lie behind this fluctuation? Apart from petrol, which other products that you use have fluctuating prices? Why? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question New Zealand is named after a province in Europe. But which country is 'old' zeeland in? England The Netherlands Scotland Sweden Part 5: Today's online listening: Today’s reading: Invisibility cloak a step nearer http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7553061.stm This is an interesting short technology article - it's about a new material which offers the possibility of covering objects and making them invisible. Vocabulary for the article: a cloak / to render / nano-scale / refract / reflect / Questions for the article: How do these materials make objects disappear? Could they be used to make people disappear? Did these experiments use natural light? Were these materials made of natural elements? What practical applications are there for these materials? ________________________________________________________________ Today’s musical intro & outro: from Senegal ‘Ndongoy Daara’ by Orchestre Baobab. From the CD ‘Specialist in all styles’. 2002: Nonesuch Records. CD may be purchased from http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/5025117/a/Specialist+In+All+Styles.htm . More information and extracts at: http://www.myspace.com/orchestrabaobabofficial

inhibit

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:16:00 GMT

Today’s picture: Sad shop on K’ Road, Auckland Part 1: Today's word To inhibit a process is to limit the process or slow it down to make it weaker. If a person feels inhibited, they’re embarrassed to do something, especially in public. So, sometimes people give the excuse of wanting to drink in order to ‘lose their inhibitions’ – in other words, to be less embarrassed or shy. The drug doesn’t cure cancer but it inhibits its spread. As the course progressed people lost their inhibitions and began to discuss the issues more freely. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The chemical is thought to inhibit the ability of viral enzymes to reproduce. It was argued that the current telecommunications monopoly inhibits innovation in the sector. Lack of this hormone may inhibit growth in the crucial early stages of human development. My boss inhibited me from participating in the project. Part 3: Practice Question: What factors might inhibit the growth of this country’s economy? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question Back in 1962, Peter Snell set a New Zealand record for the 800m of 1m 44.3. With this time, where would he have finished in the 800m final at the last Olympics (Athens, 2004)? First Second Third Last Part 5: Today's online listening: Olympic Memories This is an interview with New Zealand's most successful Olympic athlete, Peter Snell, who is now a professor of sports science in Texas and a regular visitor to Massey University. He talks about winning the Olympic Gold medal, then retiring from sport and becoming a sports scientist. He also gives his opinions on exercise and the state of athletics nowadays http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ntn/ntn-20080807-1010-Peter_Snell-048.mp3 Vocabulary for the interview: raising the bar / a heat / it took a while to sink in / back to back / cut you down to size / a tall poppy / lucrative / take the plunge / mortality / Questions for the interview: 1) How many times has Peter Snell’s New Zealand record for the 800m been beaten in the last 40 years? 2) Why was he especially relaxed before the race? 3) Did he follow his race plan during the final? 4) Why did he not continue his athletics career after winning his second Olympic Gold? 5) How difficult was the transition to normal life after he stopped competing? 6) What was unusual about the job he was doing while he was an athlete? 7) How old was he when he decided to give up this job and go into sports science? 8) What lesson does he have for other young people who didn’t do well at school? 9) Which areas of sports science does he now work in? 10) What research is there on the benefits of exercise? 11) How much exercise do you need? 12) How has he changed his diet recently so he can exercise without pain? 13) How much exercise did he do today? 14) Are top athletes reaching the limit of what is possible? 15) Does he expect New Zealand to reach the same level in world athletics as it had in the 1960s and 1970s? 16) What is his opinion about team sports, such as soccer and basketball, at the Olympics? 17) Does he think that 100m events nowadays are ‘clean’? 18) Why doesn’t he live in New Zealand nowadays? Today’s music: from Guinea, W. Africa ‘Loniya’ [knowledge] by Mory Kante. From the CD ‘Sabou’. 2004: Riverboat Records. For more information and examples of his work, go to his website: http://www.morykante.com/home/index.html

modify

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:28:15 GMT

Today’s picture: Shop Sign on K’ Road, Auckland Part 1: Today's word 'Modify' means to change something slightly - often in a technical way - in order to meet new regulations. So, for instance, companies often modify their products because of new laws or to satisfy regulations in countries they want to export to. If an engine is modified, it means that it's been changed - for instance, more powerful or cleaner. The software has been modified to protect users against viruses. For more practice go to Unit 4 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The company has modified from a specialist local firm to a large national player. In my research, I used a modified form of Maslow’s well-known model of human needs. People with eating disorders may need to modify their lifestyle, not just the way they eat. The motor was modified in order to run on battery power alone. Part 3: Practice Question: What design modifications have you noticed in products which you own - your mobile phone, iPod or laptop, for instance? How do governments try to modify people's behaviour - for instance, driving, eating, smoking? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question Both Australia and New Zealand have chosen a representative from the same sport to carry their Olympic flag. Which is the sport? Rowing Triathlon Rugby Swimming Part 5: Today's online reading: Olympic Fever – Views outside Beijing http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7507014.stm This article is a ‘vox-pop’ – in other word, made up of very short interviews with a wide range of people. In this case, various Chinese from different provinces comment on the atmosphere on the eve of the Olympics Vocabulary for the article: urban / rural / far-flung / overshadow / lag behind / eager / Questions for the article: 1) Has the Sichuan earthquake affected the atmosphere there? 2) How did the schoolchildren in Leishan commemorate the Olympics? 3) How has Tianjin benefited from the Olympics? 4) Why is Qingdao so crowded? 5) How does Henny, the Hangzhou doctor, feel about the Olympics? 6) What environmental measure has been implemented all over China in the run-up to the Olympics? ___________________________________________________________ Today’s music: from China ‘Singing and Dancing in the Village’ by the Guo Brothers. From the CD ‘Yuan’. 1990: Real World. CD may be purchased online - for example, from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000025JWW/ciaouk-music-21/ref=nosim

accrue

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:36:53 GMT

Today’s picture: My great-uncle’s cottage in Ireland Part 1: Today's word ‘Accrue’ is a technical word meaning ‘build up’ or ‘be received’. It’s used especially in finance, to talk about the increase in value of an investment. The noun for this is ‘accrual’. Interest will accrue at an annual rate of 11 %. (build up) People seem unaware of the benefits which have accrued from membership of the European Union. (been received) More examples and practice in Unit 4 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? In most cases, deposits will continue to accrue interest until the withdrawal date. A number of benefits may accrue from a period spent working overseas, both to the employee and to the company. The company decided to accrue salaries by 20 % in a desperate attempt to reduce the loss of so many of its best staff. The original sum may be withdrawn after 12 months without penalty, together with whatever interest will have accrued on your account. Part 3: Practice Question: Which benefits might accrue to this country through the extension of free trade? (be received by) Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question Which New Zealand transport link celebrates its centenary (100th anniversary) this week? Train service from Auckland to Wellington Regular flights from Auckland to Christchurch Ferry from Devonport (North Shore) to Central Auckland Auckland’s underground railway Part 5: Today's online reading: Social Networking goes to the dogs (from New Zealand Herald) http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10525752 This article discusses the latest moves in social networking – the development of niche sites for groups of users, such as dog-owners Vocabulary for the article: a niche / to chronicle / canine / feline/ a cross-breed Questions for the article: 1) Are people using these niche sites instead of general sites like Facebook and MySpace? 2) Are men or women more likely to use this new site? 3) How many users do they expect by the end of 2008? _______________________________________________________ Today’s musical intro / outro: from the USA ‘Porcelain’ by Moby. From the CD ‘Play’. 1999: V2 Records. CD is widely available in record stores or can be purchased online from many outlets, including: http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1113174/a/Play.htm . You can see a live performance of this track at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KliMcNQ_WJ4

undergo

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:21:55 GMT

Today's photo: Unusual store in Cambridge, New Zealand Part 1: Today's word When you undergo an experience or a change, it means you go through that experience or change. It’s a very common way of describing important changes in people or organisations. The town centre underwent a complete transformation as businesses left and students moved in. Click the 'play' button below to hear today's programme Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The new process will have to undergo a thorough evaluation before any decision is made on its future uses. She had to undergo several major operations in order to recover the full use of her legs. Major traffic congestion was experienced after a truck unsuccessfully attempted to undergo a city centre bridge. Starbucks in New Zealand may be expected to undergo a crisis of confidence following the major restructuring of the Australian operation. Part 3: Practice Question: What are the most significant changes your country has undergone during the last 10 years? Do you know anyone who’s undergone financial hardship in order to study at university? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question New Zealand also has several successful chains of restaurants and cafes. But which of the following is NOT a New Zealand chain of take-away restaurants? Hell Pizza Burger Fuel It’s a wrap LJ’s Seafood Part 5: Today's online reading: Shunned Starbucks in Aussie Exit (from the BBC) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7540480.stm Vocabulary for the article: to shun / succumb to pressure / to savour / lustre / to carve out a niche / schizophrenic / juggernaut / monolithic / underwhelmed Questions for the article: 1) How many of their Australian restaurants are Starbucks closing? 2) How do American consumers see the brand? 3) How is the company restructuring in Australia? 4) Why do the consultants think the brand wasn’t as successful in Australia? 5) In which markets has Starbucks done particularly well? Today’s Intro & Outro: from the USA ‘What’s happening brother?” by Marvin Gaye. From the CD “What’s going on?”. 1971: Motown Records. The CD may be purchased from: http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/5533734/a/What%27s+Going+On.htm and all good record stores. See Marvin Gaye perform live at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KC7uhMY9s

likewise

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:56:02 GMT

Today’s picture: Brunch on K Road, Auckland Part 1: Today's word ‘Likewise’ means ‘in the same way’. It’s used to link sentences which compare two things which are similar, so you can use it to build up paragraphs adding supporting examples or extending your points to different contexts. Regular exercise is necessary for physical health. Likewise, no one can maintain a high level in a language without regular practice. For extra practice, go to Unit 3 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com and www.youtube.com/masseyslc for presentations on essay and paragraph writing Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? He found the new job stressful and the social life at the company was, likewise, complex and frustrating. The basic principles of commercial law in Britain and New Zealand are likewise, with a few exceptions. Regular exercise is necessary for physical health. Likewise, no one can maintain a high level in a language without regular practice. Two of his friends had migrated to New Zealand, but when he wished to do likewise, he found the process had become much more difficult. Part 3: Practice Question: Australia has invested millions of dollars in a national sports academy. Do you think New Zealand should do likewise? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question Which of these athletes is considered one of New Zealand’s best hopes of a medal in Beijing? Paula Radcliffe Valerie Vili Julie Van Dyk Janet Frame Part 5: Today's online listening: The Great Divide Race (from Radio New Zealand) http://www.radionz.co.nz/__data/assets/audio_item/0008/1686392/ngts-20080801-2010-The_Great_Divide_Race-wmbr.asx Vocabulary for the listening: endurance / sleep deprivation / steep / sealed and gravel roads / acclimatised / hare and tortoise / Questions for the listening: 1) Which requirement makes the race particularly challenging? 2) How long is the race and how long does it take? 3) What proportion of the starters managed to finish the race? 4) What services are provided at the finishing point of the race? 5) What are the two key principles of this event? 6) How does he avoid getting punctures in his tyres? 7) How much of the race was off-road? 8) How much time did he spend riding his bike each day? 9) What was the highest point of the race? 10) Does Simon intend to do the race again? Today’s musical intro / outro: from Brazil ‘Meu Canario’ by Marisa Monte. From the CD ‘Universo ao meu redor’. 2006: EMI CD may be purchased at: http://www.amazon.com/Universo-Meu-Redor-Marisa-Monte/dp/B000ERU6JO

correspondence

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:34:30 GMT

Today’s picture: Winter scene from my garden Part 1: Today's word A correspondence is a link between two things. This link may be because they match, because there’s a statistical relationship between them or because one of them leads to the other. It’s used a lot to compare or report on research. Correspondence can have another meaning – especially in business – which is a more formal way of saying letters and emails between people. So when someone returns to work they have to catch up with their correspondence. Her research found little correspondence between investment and profitability. The Greeks were the first to realise that the intervals between musical notes corresponded to mathematical ratios. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? We had to abandon the model when the results failed to correspond to our predictions. I need to make a good impression at the meeting: would a dark suit correspond with the occasion? The leader believed that the core values of the party corresponded with the needs and aspirations of the people. The pressure points on the foot correspond to the area of the body which is to be treated. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you believe the way your subject is taught at university corresponds to the real-world needs of professionals in the field? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question New Zealand’s victory over Australia in Saturday's rugby match has been attributed to the return of their inspirational captain. Who is he? Tana Umaga Sonny Bill Williams Richie McCaw Ryan Nelson Part 5: Today's online listening: Retaining Multicultural Staff (Radio New Zealand) http://www.radionz.co.nz/__data/assets/audio_item/0011/1638155/arpt-20080708-1533-Asian_Report-wmbr.asx Vocabulary for the listening: an edge / to thrive / DIY / prevalent / default / alert / cubicle Questions for the listening: How many business arguments are given for making organisations more diverse? What is the important message that a good induction program gives to new employees? What training can be given to existing staff? How do some companies find out about the general emotional atmosphere among their staff? Why might Japanese staff feel lonely in New Zealand workplaces? How much of employees’ conversations around the water fountain are work-related? Today’s musical intro: from the USA ‘Rainy days and Mondays’ by the Carpenters. From the CD ‘From the Top’. 1991: A & M Records. CD may be purchased from http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=carpenters+from+the+top&x=13&y=23 If you'd like to hear some more rainy day songs, you might like this mix I put together at the weekend! http://www.mixwit.com/mmcm/singin-in-the-rain

extrapolate

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:11:28 GMT

Today’s picture: Marmalade and Lemon Curd (which I made from the fruit growing in my garden), July 2008 Part 1: Today's word ‘Extrapolate’ means to generalise – especially when we’re talking about charts, tables or figures. It means you take a trend and you project it into the future or over a wider population. This very often happens with research which usually samples a small, but typical population so that the results can be extrapolated in order to make decisions about larger groups. If we extrapolate from the chart, we can predict that house prices will double in the next five years. Her extrapolation to the whole country was not a valid one given the unusual sample used in the study. For more practice, go to Unit 3 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Extrapolating from the chart, we can predict a continuing rise in demand for local housing. I think it’s a mistake to extrapolate from such a limited study, especially as the location is far from representative of the country as a whole. You shouldn’t extrapolate – not all Kiwis are into rugby! If we extrapolate from these figures, I think we can form a reasonable impression of the overall picture. Part 3: Practice Questions: Extrapolating from current trends, what do you think the situation in this country will be like in 10 years' time regarding ...... housing? health? migration? the standard of living? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question New Zealand is home to the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin. What is its name? Arthur’s Hector’s George’s Bryde’s Part 5: Today's online reading: Olympic Inspiration 5 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7482661.stm Vocabulary for the article: an oddity / unsung / to go gaga / a contingent / elude / to clinch / to spawn / to spar / pin your hopes on / munificence / fickle Questions for the article: What is Vijender Kumar’s event at the Olympics? Has India won an Olympic medal in this event before? Why is his part of India known as ‘little Cuba’? Apart from his sport, what other two ways does Vijender earn money? Today’s musical intro / outro: From Mali, W. Africa ‘Tunga’ by Mamadou Diabate. From the CD ‘Tunga’. 2000: Alula Records. To hear more about the artist, samples of his playing and to buy CDs, go to: http://www.mamadoukora.com/

complement

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:07:46 GMT

Today’s picture: Lemons ripening in the afternoon sun, in my garden, July 2008 Part 1: Today's word To complement means to match or to add something that goes very well with what already exists. So, for instance, you could say that working part-time in an office would complement business studies because a student could put into practice what they're learning at the university. If a company hires new staff, it's important that they complement the existing team members - in other words, they can add something new and not cause problems with the existing staff. If you're giving a presentation, it's important that your slides and visual aids complement your presentation - in other words, they add something that you couldn't say only with words and they don't take anything away from your presentation - this could happen if people stop listening to you because there are too many pictures to follow! 'Acupuncture' and 'aromatherapy' are often called 'complementary' medicines when they are used together with drugs etc and not in their place. Take care not to confuse the spelling with the word 'compliment' which is when you say something nice about someone. You can remember the difference if you think that 'complement' is a way of 'completing' something by adding something extra. Although their personalities were so different, they complemented each other perfectly in the workplace. I don’t see any problem in working and studying. If anything, the two are complementary, since I can use examples from my work in my assignments and I can apply lessons from my course in my workplace. For more practice, go to Unit 3 of www.academicenglishgenerator.com Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Although their personalities were so different, they complemented each other perfectly in the workplace. He felt strongly that the aim of private education was not to replace free state schools, but to complement them. I complemented my boss on several projects over the years. The simple white forms of the buildings complement the natural curves of the surrounding landscape. Part 3: Practice Questions: In what ways does online learning complement face-to-face teaching? How complementary do you think work and study are for you and the other students on your course? Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question There are just 17 species of penguin in the world – and New Zealand has 6 of them. But which of these is NOT a New Zealand penguin? The yellow-eyed penguin The emperor penguin The blue penguin The erect-crested penguin See this great website http://www.penguin.net.nz/ for more information about our fabulous penguins!! Part 5: Today's online reading: Olympic Inspiration 4 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7493076.stm Vocabulary for the article: to crumble / to cast your eyes / to improvise / a lap / elite / it boils down to / recurring / Questions for the article: Where does Hem Bunting live? How many athletes are in the Cambodian team at the Olympics? What problems do the athletes have during training? How much money does he have to live on? Why are there marks all over his body? How does he feel about going to the Olympics? Today’s musical intro / outro: From Guinea, W. Africa ‘Djouya’ by Mama Diabate. From the CD ‘Koffi Kola Na Yo’. 1997: Popular African Music. CD may be purchased from: http://www.amazon.com/Koffi-Cola-Na-Mama-Diabate/dp/B00005YE6B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1217456662&sr=1-1